Five takeaways from OKC Thunder first loss of season

Establish an identity on both sides of the hardwood:

The good news is, it’s better OKC learn these lessons now.  Thunder players will say they knew it wouldn’t be easy. That this journey would be a work in progress. But, beating a team (Knicks) so easily while playing inefficiently may have fooled the squad into a false belief they were further along in the process than they are.

Don’t take this statement wrong. I bought into this iteration of the OKC Thunder. I believe they will succeed and can be special.  But, I’m also a realist, who recognizes OKC must crawl before they run.  Copious elements within the system still require a range of minor to massive tweaks.

Among the upper tier of priorities is establishing an identity and playing within those parameters. Certainly the timing and flow are essential. Despite that obvious fact, OKC abandoned some fundamental aspects of their identity.

Related: Carmelo Anthony 2017-18 player preview: Melo Unleashed

Repeatedly, Paul George has heralded this squad as an upper tier defensive unit. I’ve been on board with this theory and still believe once Patrick Patterson completely heals, they will be.

Utah’s identity is defense, while Houston’s is offense.  However the best teams are top 10 in both categories. A feat only three teams accomplished last season: Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors.

As much as this era promotes offense, no championship team since the 2000-01 Lakers has ranked outside the top 10 defensively (most were in the top five).